NRC Warns Of Looming Rail Disruptions After Fresh Attacks In Plateau, Bauchi

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has raised fresh concerns over coordinated attacks on railway infrastructure in Plateau and Bauchi states, warning that the growing wave of vandalism could disrupt rail operations, endanger lives and threaten critical national assets.

The Corporation said the latest incidents, recorded in parts of the North Central and North East corridors, underscore an alarming pattern of sabotage capable of causing major train accidents and huge economic losses.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the NRC, Callistus Unyimadu, one of the incidents occurred on May 21, 2026, when a truck allegedly loaded with vandalised railway materials became trapped between Kuru and Science School in Plateau State, exposing the activities of criminal networks involved in the illegal removal and transportation of rail infrastructure.

The statement further disclosed that along the Zango axis in Bauchi State, between Kilometer 878 and 889, vandals completely removed railway slippers on both sides of a level crossing, leaving only disconnected rail components behind.

The Corporation warned that such destruction poses serious danger to railway operations and public safety, noting that damaged tracks and missing components could lead to derailments, service interruptions and destruction of investments worth billions of naira.

The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, condemned the attacks, describing them as acts of economic sabotage and threats to national development.

He said the increasing rate of vandalism along key railway corridors demands urgent collaboration among security agencies, state governments, traditional institutions, host communities and residents living around rail lines.

Opeifa urged Nigerians to regard railway facilities as strategic national infrastructure built with public resources to support transportation, trade and economic growth.

He also warned vandals, scrap dealers and individuals involved in the illegal purchase or movement of railway materials to desist immediately or face prosecution.

The NRC appealed to security agencies to strengthen surveillance and enforcement around railway corridors nationwide, while calling on members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities around railway facilities.